Thefts investigated

NEW MADRID, Mo. - Over the weekend, officers took a report of a shed break-in on Pinnell Lane. The owner reported a tiller was missing, and possibly some other small items.

On the same day, the sheriff’s department took a report just north of the city limits of an ATV being stolen from inside a shop. As of now, no arrests have been made in either case, but evidence was collected at both scenes.

With an increase in break-ins, it is a good time to be sure outbuildings are locked and vehicles are locked when unattended.

Weather conditions have been unseasonably hot and dry through June and July, and that is causing an increase in fire department runs throughout the county. The New Madrid Fire Department has been on several grass fires over the last couple weeks, and most of those fires were started by someone burning limbs or other yard waste.

While there is not currently a burn ban in effect, residents should be very cautious about burning anything until we get a significant rainfall. With no rain in the 10-day forecast, we may have a burn ban in the city before the end of the week.